Fake Microsoft Alert Leads To $20,000 Credit Union Scam, Arrest
By CU Today Staff —
VENTURA, Calif.—A Northern California man is facing felony charges in an alleged computer fraud scheme in which an elderly Ventura County resident was tricked into withdrawing $20,000 from his credit union accounts and handing the cash to a supposed federal representative, according to KTLA.
The scheme began Aug. 4 when the victim received a computer pop-up directing him to call “Microsoft,” KTLA reported, citing the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. After being transferred among several people, the victim spoke with a man identifying himself as “Damian Myers,” who falsely claimed someone had used the victim’s Ventura County Credit Union account to make a $25,000 purchase of child pornography in China and instructed him to withdraw money to protect his funds.
The victim withdrew $20,000 from two credit union branches, bought another $5,000 in gift cards and was told to package the cash for collection by a purported Federal Trade Commission representative. Prosecutors allege Ze Li, 35, of Fremont, Calif., met the victim in Ventura the next day, took the $20,000 package and left. The victim later became suspicious and contacted authorities, KTLA reported.
When the scammers contacted the victim again Aug. 26, investigators arranged a sting in which Li allegedly returned to Ventura and accepted a package he believed contained another $20,000 before being arrested. Investigators believe Li was acting as a courier collecting money for fraudsters operating outside Ventura County who target elderly victims through computer scams. Li is facing felony charges in connection with the alleged scheme, according to KTLA.
Originally reported by CU Today.